Welsh prospect joins Hull FC

Hull have signed Wales Under 16 international Jermarie Chatham from community club Torfaen Tigers.

Chatham, 18, has been with the Welsh side since the age of 12 and made his first team debut at the age of 16. He played in the Tigers’ only game in 2020 to date, in the Challenge Cup against the British Police.

He said: “This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me, I am over the moon to where I am now. This is something I’ve always wanted to do and it’s a dream come true to see it all happening. I want to thank everyone for wishing me good luck, I’ll keep striving for bigger and greater things.”

Chatham caught the attention of Super League clubs last September playing for Wales U16 against England, scoring a try that made the nominations for the RFL’s “Try of the Week”.

As well as being selected for West Wales Raiders U16 academy, he has attended the Wales Rugby League National Development Academy.

WRL National Development Manager, Mark Jones, added: “I am absolutely over the moon for Jermarie, this is so well deserved. He is a perfect role model for Rugby League in Wales progressing through the Torfaen Tigers and WRL pathways including West Wales Raiders and Coleg y Cymoedd.

“He is a very rounded individual both on and off the field, and I have no doubt he will be very successful for Hull FC at the highest level. All of the people involved with Jermarie’s development should be very proud that he has signed a professional contract.”